The US Senate passed a budget resolution that allows Joe Biden’s $ 1.9 trillion (£ 1.4 trillion) aid package Covid-19 to be approved in the coming weeks without Republican support.
Vice President Kamala Harris broke the 50/50 tie by voting in favor of the Democratic measure, which sends it to the Chamber of Deputies for final approval. It was the first time that Harris, in his role as president of the Senate, took the casting vote after taking office as the first vice president on January 20.
The Chamber passed its own budget measure on Wednesday. Congress can now work to draft a bill that can be passed by a simple majority in both houses, which are controlled by Democrats. Mid-March has been suggested as a likely date when the measure could pass, a point at which the increase in unemployment insurance will expire if Congress fails to act.
The vote took place at 5:30 am on Friday, at the end of a debate marathon in the Senate, known among senators as “vote-a-rama”, a procedure by which they can theoretically offer unlimited amendments.
US Cases
Biden is scheduled to meet with Democratic House leaders and committee chairs on Friday morning to discuss Covid’s economic stimulus, and is expected to make public comments on progress at a meeting at 11:45 am EST (1645 GMT).
Republicans dissented in the Senate overnight, especially over plans for a $ 15 federal minimum wage, Iowa Republican Senator Joni Ernst introduced an amendment to “ban the increase in federal minimum wages during a global pandemic” , which was approved by verbal vote.
Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders said he still intends to support passing the measure: “We need to end the hunger wage crisis in Iowa and around the United States.”
He outlined plans for a gradual five-year wage increase, included in a budget reconciliation bill. The federal minimum wage is currently $ 7.25 an hour and has not been increased since 2009.
In a tweet after the vote, Sanders said: “Today, with the passing of this budget resolution to provide relief for our working families, we have the opportunity not only to address the pandemic and the economic meltdown – we have the opportunity to give hope to the American people and restore faith in our government.”
During the debate, Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell said: “This is not the time for trillions of dollars more to make perpetual blockages and economic decline a little more palatable. Despite real needs, despite all the talk about bipartisan unity, Democrats in Congress are moving forward. They are using this fake budget to set the table to apply their $ 1.9 trillion draft. “
The proposed $ 1.9 trillion aid package would be used to accelerate Covid-19 vaccines across the country. Other funds would extend special unemployment benefits that will expire at the end of March and make direct payments to people to help them pay bills and stimulate the economy. Democrats also want to send money to state and local governments that are dealing with the worst health crisis in decades.